[RECAP] Season 9, Episode 7 of The Walking Dead, "Stradivarius"

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The episode in advance of the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead entitled "Stradivarius" hums along smoothly enough but definitely gives off that dreaded "filler episode" vibe.  This is mostly due to the limelight being cast (mostly) on our new arrivals rather than our core group of characters.  We did get a few notable moments (Daryl's camp scenes primarily), but by and large, this was an episode meant to set us up for the midseason finale.

The very beginning of the episode shows a very disorientated Rosita running through the woods trying to escape...what, exactly?  Inevitably midway through the episode, Jesus and Aaron end up finding Rosita (after she sends out a flare) during a fight training session beyond the walls.  A glimpse at life at The Hilltop shows a thriving society filled with sustainable resources, medics (in the form of Enid) and the basic day to day tasks that come from governing a society.  Jesus, however, seems thoroughly bored and caged in his new defacto role as leader of the Hilltop, seemingly much more comfortable out on the road or in the woods.  Nevertheless, Rosita informs Jesus and Aaron that Eugene is still out there but they need to get her to safety first and then come back for Eugene.

As already mentioned, the episode primarily follows Michonne, Siddiq and our new group of visitors as they make their way to The Hilltop.  Michonne is still highly skeptical of the group and even Luke's attempt to convince her that their observation of art and music is what will allow them to survive and advance beyond the walkers fall on deaf ears.  So weary and suspicious is Michonne that, during an overnight stay at the newcomer's previous supply fort, upon coming across Luke awake in the middle of the night holding something, she assumes that he is holding a weapon and cuts it in half...only then realizing that it was Luke's prized violin, a Stradivarius.  The next day, we find out Michonne is even more apprehensive of traveling to the Hilltop because of the presumed presence of Maggie.

Again, why this beef between the two women?  We'll definitely need this backstory before the season is up.

Siddiq ends up being the person that fills her in on the fact that Maggie is no longer at the Hilltop and that she took her baby Herschel and left some time ago.  Before a shocked Michonne can inquire further and get more information, they are forced to make waste of a group of walkers uncovered at this base.  It's all hands on deck and as a result, Michonne allows the newcomer's to have access to their confiscated weapons again and everyone is quickly acting to defeat the threat in front of them.  After a certain point, it looks like the threat has been neutralized...until a familiar figure in a paisley shirt stumbles out.  It is the infamous Bernie, that the newcomers have spoken so fondly of.  The sight of him makes the usually tough Magna to break down and in order to alleviate her of anymore pain, Michonne mercifully puts him out of his misery.  The whole experience causes them to bond and develop a sense of trust that allows them to arrive at The Hilltop in a much better place than where they started...although startled to hear that Rosita is already at the Hilltop receiving necessary medical care.

The other part of the episode surrounds Carol and Henry and their eventual encounter of Daryl's apparent camp.  We come to find out that Daryl ventured out here, in an attempt to find Rick or Rick's body and when he found nothing, he decided to just set up camp out there.  Clearly there is WAY more to Daryl's past than this, as evidenced from the "X" scars on his back, strikingly similar to the one on Michonne's back.  Again, I'm sure we'll get some more backstory on this eventually.  In any case, Carol is looking to convince Daryl to rejoin society and come with them to the Hilltop in order to provide Henry with some guidance (or as Daryl says, to be Henry's babysitter).  He resists vehemently at first but after some bonding via Henry saving him (and of course, Dog), he decides to join them on their journey to the Hilltop.

Upon their arrival, they are also notified about Rosita's medical treatment after being found in the woods...but Eugene is still out there, potentially hurt.  Aaron and Daryl decide to go out and look for him but Jesus insists on coming along also.  This is not what Tara wants, since she would prefer that Jesus, as leader of the Hilltop, stays behind, safe and sound but Jesus is insistent that he knows the terrain best and he needs to be out there with them.

The final shot that we see is a majestic overhead shot of Daryl, Aaron and Jesus (and Dog) on their way into the great unknown...on their way to encounter who knows what.

THE WALKING DEAD AIRS SUNDAYS AT 9:00PM EST ON AMC

[RECAP] Season 8, Episode 8 of The Walking Dead, "How It's Gotta Be"

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By Carolina Gallardo (@carolgallardo)

So it's been a good couple of weeks since The Walking Dead's mid-season finale but the outcome (particularly the big reveal) has been resonating with fans and critics alike since it aired.  Some feedback has been positive, some...not so much.  And some of us have been inundated with small children, and the holiday season...but I guess that's just me?  In any case, let's dive into this ocean of apocalyptic drama that is Season 8, Episode 8: How It's Gotta Be.

The episode follows the similar formula that's been used throughout the first half of the season which is having various story lines occurring concurrently that we touch upon during the episode.  This episode was no different in that we have what occurs at The Hilltop, The Kingdom and Alexandria (along with Aaron & Enid's side adventure), with each location going through its own confrontation with The Saviors.  It's established before the opening credits that Negan and the Saviors have successfully escaped The Sanctuary and are likely on their way to punish Rick and crew for their disobedient behavior.  Rick, Carol, and Jerry (of all people) are abundantly clear on this since they are the ones to pick up Rick from The Sanctuary, where he is ambushed and the Garbage People scatter (of course they do).  They ultimately decide to split, with each one furiously trying to reach their dedicated location before the Saviors get there first.

Dotted throughout this episode, we see a lot of images of Carl, even a flashback to when Carl and Rick first came upon Siddiq at the gas station.  We see the continuation of the conversation that occurred between the two, and Carl's insistence that there must be another way rather than just killing everyone.  This in conjunction with images of a pensive Carl at Alexandria, writing his father a letter and observing Enid's original JSS (Just Survive Somehow) note, make us realize that Carl will factor heavily in this episode.  Plus, you know when anyone on this show takes the stance of the moral compass, it never leads to good things, historically speaking.

Otherwise at Alexandria, Daryl and Tara smugly and confidently believe that they finished off the Saviors, or at the very least have delivered the final blow.  Right as Carl is about to escape down into the sewers to "help a traveler", already looking to be in discomfort, we hear the banging of Lucille against the gates of Alexandria.  Immediately Negan informs Alexandria that they have lost and that they have 3 minutes to get everyone lined up to issue an apology and the person with the worst apology will be killed, along with Rick of course.  Surprise, surprise.  Daryl and Tara's impulsive plan didn't work.  Actually it probably HELPED Negan and the Saviors escape, providing some sort of an out.  The full reality of this seems to hit the two of them later, at least we hope so, because really, how many times can we have Daryl making impulsive, off the cuff decisions?  Last time he acted in this way it got Glenn killed (SPOILER ALERT).

In any case, at the same time, we have Maggie and the Hilltop on their way to The Sanctuary, clearly unaware that Negan and the Saviors have escaped.  At one point, Jesus and Maggie's car stops when they see a tree down, blocking their path.  Immediately, you can tell that Maggie gets a flashback to that night that they first encountered Negan, when they similarly blocked their paths, until they ultimately surrounded them, lined them up and executed Glenn and Abraham.  She recognizes this as a sign that it's them and she's correct.  When she radios the back of her convoy, it's too late.  The Saviors have them sandwiched in, with nowhere to go.  Eventually a van pulls up in front of Maggie and a couple of Saviors open the back and roll out an injured Jerry (who we know was t-boned from an earlier clip) as well as a coffin (what is it with these guys and coffins?).  They kneel him, and hold him at gun point which made me INCREDIBLY apprehensive (who DOESN'T love Jerry?).

As a matter of fact, this exchange with the Hilltop was probably the most tense altercation of all the confrontations that happened that evening, no doubt due to the menacing ways of Simon.  He proceeds to get out of his car, while the rest of Saviors disarm The Hilltop (why the Hilltop didn't open fire, considering they seem to outnumber the Saviors here, I have no idea) and informs Maggie of the situation: Eugene came up with an idea to divert the walkers, allowing the Saviors to escape, and they are currently decimating The Kingdom and Alexandria.  The Hilltop, however, is getting off "lucky" in the sense that the Saviors need them to produce, therefore they are being let go with a VERY stern warning and of course, someone has to die.  Before Maggie can agree to the terms, Simon quickly circles back and shoots Neil (a random Hilltop member) who was in the backseat of Maggie's car.  At that point, Maggie agrees to the terms and asks for the coffin so that they can properly bury Neil.  Simon agrees and they allow them to leave...But what in the world happened to Jerry?

In what is likely the most convincing act of strength during the course of this night is when Maggie returns to The Hilltop, slightly shell shocked from the confrontation with the Saviors and the execution of Neil.  She immediately goes to her Savior "pen" picks out one of the prisoners and executes him at point blank range.  In a more human moment, we see Maggie in tears when she walks away afterward, unbeknownst to everyone around her.  She is making decisive war time moves, but they are not easy decisions in the least but they are decisions that must be taken.  We later see that the coffin she requested from Simon is not used to bury Neil but rather to lay in the executed POW with a note scrawled on the top of the coffin stating, one down, thirty eight to go.  SAVAGE.  

EMO AF

Meanwhile, at the Kingdom, King Ezekiel is still in full EMO mode (honestly, how long has that man been sitting on that stage with Shiva's chains?).  That changes very quickly however, once he hears some commotion and he quickly hides.  We come to realize that the Saviors have arrived at the Kingdom and are trying to track him down specifically.  Outside, Gavin (the reluctant middle manager of the Saviors) has gathered up the people of the Kingdom telling them that due to their actions, the Saviors will now be living at their quarters and all able bodied individuals will be sent to The Sanctuary to rebuild it.  He also tells them that ultimately though, what they really want, is the King and he asks them to please turn him in or let them know his recent whereabouts.  No one says a word.  This incredibly frustrates Gavin who we can clearly see doesn't WANT to hurt these people (or anyone for that matter).  He finally implores them to please just let them know where he is so that they can avoid hurting anyone from the Kingdom, particularly since there are children present.

Unbeknownst to Gavin, King Ezekiel has set up a diversion, by collecting some gas barrels and setting them on fire, creating an explosion.  The Saviors quickly run to attend to this distraction, allowing Ezekiel to storm through the gates of the Kingdom with a school bus, telling all his loyal servants to escape.  Carol shows up at this point, instructing everyone on where to go but she is unable to convince Ezekiel to come with her, opting instead to use the chains to lock himself in the Kingdom with the Saviors.  Carol looks on in frustration as the doors close her out and we are left to wonder what will come of Ezekiel.  Fortunately, we come to see later that Morgan is hanging out at the gate so I would expect to see Morgan pull some moves to spring Ezekiel from this situation.  But that's just my thought.

Not to be forgotten, Enid and Aaron have gone on their own side mission to apparently try to convince the Oceanside women (remember them?) to join them in the fight (we assume probably since all of the Kingdom soldiers were killed).  Upon reaching the fringes of their community, they appear to get some rest that night, until at least Aaron sees a shadowy figure by their truck.  Upon investigating, Aaron is attacked and Enid, in a heat of the moment reaction, shoots...and kills Natanya, the matriarch of the Oceanside community.  Her granddaughter Cindy confirms that she is dead and now it's pretty much anyone's guess what these ladies will do with Enid and Aaron at this point.  I guess we'll need to wait and see.

The heart of the matter though is at Alexandria, specifically with, as we suspected, Carl.  He has taken control of the situation and has instructed all the Alexandrians to escape through the same sewers he was going to enter to join Siddiq.  At the same time, he has instructed Daryl, Michonne, Tara and Rosita to work with Dwight on creating the proper distraction.  In the meantime, Carl confronts Negan directly from atop of Alexandria's wall, allowing the Alexandrians to disappear into the sewers.  They have the most interesting exchange likely this whole season, that makes me incredibly disappointed that we as viewers will not get the opportunity to see the complex relationship between these two characters further develop into something substantial and interesting.  In any case, Carl informs Negan that Rick is not home but that there are women and children here at Alexandria to which Negan rightly retorts that there were women and children at the Sanctuary as well but that didn't stop Rick from attacking them.  He even mentions how they had a little baby at the Sanctuary and he wondered what happened to her.

Mark my words, that little baby Gracie, currently Rick's POW, WILL play a role this season or the larger scheme of the show at large.  Just saying.

At this point, Carl offers himself as a sacrifice and tells Negan that if punishment needs to be doled out to kill HIM.  Negan is momentarily stunned by this offer and he asks him if he indeed WANTS to die.  Carl says that he doesn't...but he will, if it means that it'll potentially save everyone else.  He then pushes Negan asking him if this is what he wanted when he created the Sanctuary, if this was the end goal.  Because they have this relationship where Negan has a respect and quite frankly, an affection, toward Carl, we can tell that he is seriously contemplating and considering his words.  It's at this point, however, that Daryl and company storm through the back of Alexandria, leading Dwight and his team after them in pursuit (as was Carl's plan).  Negan immediately realizes what's going and exclaims his feelings quite succinctly by stating:

"I thought we were having a MOMENT, you little a#$hole!  Bombs away!"

Love him or hate him, these Negan outburst moments are fabulous.

As instructed, the Saviors begin raining down grenades and bombs into Alexandria and are told by Negan to burn down every other house and find Carl but DO NOT kill him.  Again, Negan with the affection toward Carl as well as realizing that humans are resources.  He tells them all that he'll be at Rick's house, making himself some spaghetti (a callback to when Negan brought back Carl to Alexandria).

Smoke bombs, grenades and fire ensues

During this time, we see Carl move as if in a dreamlike trance through a scorching Alexandria.  He appears to be in some sort of pain, based on the grimaces on his face as he's moving.  Eventually he makes his way into the sewers, to join the rest of Alexandria as well as Siddiq, and enter some semblance of safety.

At the same time, Daryl and crew are hiding in the woods on the side of the road, waiting for Dwight's convoy to catch up with them.  It's during this time that we (finally) see that Daryl and Tara seem to be remorseful for their impulsive decision that has now greatly crippled their cause.  Regardless, Dwight leads his Saviors into the lion's den, even though his partner Laura, seems to think that this is a march into certain death (which she's totally right about).  This is further proven by at their arrival, Daryl and team ambushing their convoy.  It's during the course of this firefight that Dwight takes deep breath, turns...and opens fire on his own Savior peers.  Laura is NOT shot but proceeds to shoot Dwight in the arm.  She is both shocked and infuriated that he's the turncoat in their ranks and she then runs off, not to be seen again.  Now that he has been identified as the turncoat, there is certainly no going back (both literally and figuratively) for Dwight.  He says as much to Daryl and Tara who still seem to be on the fence with him but ultimately Daryl accepts what Dwight says as fact...but makes sure to forcefully get his leather angel wings vest back.  Here's hoping he's feeling complete again.

Rick finally arrives at an Alexandria almost completely up in flames.  He makes a beeline to his home, checking to see if Carl and his faction were able to escape alive.  I, at least, was completely shocked when Negan came out of nowhere and started beating down on Rick since I had forgotten he was waiting for him at his home.  What ensues is an old fashioned brawl between the two men, with Negan even telling Rick that he intends on taking Carl under his win and making him his right hand man (huh, not sure how Negan's going to react to the sad news).  It's at this point that Rick asks Negan if he ever shuts up (to which Negan replies NO).  HA.  That was definitely a good one.

FINALLY

Ultimately, the fight ends up in a draw, with Rick crashing through the window and running off.  He eventually meets up with a livid, incredulous Michonne who helps him escape into the sewers.

It's here that Rick surveys the situation: All the surviving Alexandrians sitting in the sewers, rightfully shell shocked, an embarrassed Tara and Daryl who was tending to an angelic Judith (she survived!), and of course Carl.  He approaches Carl and sees him slumped against the wall, sitting on the floor, looking very pale and sickly.  He tells Rick he was able to get everyone down here but unfortunately lifts up his shirt...and shows us all the walker bite on his torso, much to shock and horror of Rick, Michonne and of course viewers.  This explains Carl's note to Rick at the beginning of the episode, this explains Carl's painful grimaces throughout the episode, this explains Carl's willingness to offer himself up to Negan as a sacrificial lamb.  He knew he was going to die, and soon.  Rick is speechless and he and Michonne kneel next to Carl, with their heads down and the light from above ground cast on Carl.  Say what you will about the episode, but the framing and shooting of this final scene was beautifully done.

So that's the mid-season finale: Carl is on his deathbed and is going to die senselessly for helping Siddiq kill walkers, presumably (everyone disputes that Carl will have a "dumpster moment").  Assuming that this will indeed with be the case, this is shocking turn for the show, since Carl is a character very much alive in the comic and it has always been assumed that Carl would be the future leader of the free world, in this post apocalyptic era.  With Carl no longer alive, it leaves us all with numerous questions as to the future direction of the show.  How will Negan react to this information?  How will this affect Rick and his mental state?  Does that mean that the season premiere Old Man Rick "flash forward" is NOT a flash forward but a dream of what COULD HAVE been?  What happens now with some of the well known comic story lines that are coming up where Carl was a catalyst?

All we can do is speculate for now and speculate we will.  After the holidays, we will likely post a podcast discussing our thoughts specifically on the death of Carl and predictions for how this could affect the second half of the season (and moving forward).  Stay tuned for that...

In the meantime, thank you all for your support and have a wonderful New Year!

[RECAP] Season 8, Episode 13 of The Walking Dead, "Do Not Lead Us Astray"

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By Carolina Gallardo (@carolgallardo)

This past week's Episode 13 "Do Not Lead Us Astray" reflected on the cost of war and on how the consequences of Maggie's decisions specifically are weighing on her psyche.  We also got back to some old school Walking Dead where we had an internal walker outbreak, similar to the days of the Prison, when the flu outbreak was killing its residents (who subsequently turned).  We also were forced to finally say goodbye to a somewhat regular (and running joke) character, in the character of Tobin.  So let's explore.

As anticipated from the trailer, the episode picks up where we left off, with the understanding that the Saviors are en route to the Hilltop and that an attack is imminent.  But we also see a reoccurring image of Gavin, the Savior, who was killed by Henry in the mid-season premiere.  We see him taunting Morgan's thoughts, repeatedly saying "You know what it is" and "You were supposed to".  

Now what that means is anyone's guess but I'm guessing it has nothing to do with Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow (sorry couldn't help it).

We see everyone preparing, including young Henry, who pleads with Carol and Ezekiel to please allow him to fight.  They both strongly deny the boy's request and tell him that he must stay in the house and protect those who will not be on the front lines to fight.  Eventually the signal is given that The Saviors are approaching (did anyone else's heart race when the signal started going around?) and Maggie readies herself for what's about to happen.

Well, there goes that strategy.

Immediately we see that The Saviors grossly underestimated the amount of preparation that the Hilltop implemented.  It seems that Simon anticipated simply riding through the gates of the Hilltop and is surprised when all their tires flatten, the result of running over boards with nails.  Via Walkie Talkies, Simon and Maggie have an exchange where Maggie tries to get Simon to back down by threatening the lives of the 38 Savior hostages currently in her possession.  In case we weren't abundantly clear by now on the extent of Simon's ruthlessness, he informs Maggie that those men are now damaged goods and he could care less what she does with them.  

I have to give it to Maggie though, since she didn't even flinch at their response.  Also, as an aside, how cool is it that she goes by "The Widow"?  Gives me flashbacks to the movie "Kill Bill" with its main character "The Bride".

Moving on, Dwight tries to make a last ditch effort with Simon and asks him if he really wants to go through with this attack bearing in mind that somewhere out there, Negan could very possibly still be alive and could come down with a vengeance on Simon for disobeying his orders.  To which Simon responds with the very prolific line that "It's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission".

But before the Saviors can blink, Daryl shows up on his bike shooting his gun at the Saviors, a ploy, as we later realize, to draw them in.  That is exactly what the Saviors do and a bus is immediately rolled out in front of them to "T-Bone" their vehicle.  Maggie then gives the signal and the Hilltop immediately opens fire on the Saviors, much to their surprise.  Eventually, the Saviors get their bearings and start firing back with their contaminated weapons in hand.  We see several Hilltop members injured during battle, including Tara.  Simon was about to sneak up on Tara and kill her with his hatchet but Dwight interjected and shot her with an arrow.

Based on what we have seen (and what we know from the comic, *SPOILER*), it is highly unlikely that Tara is infected.  The most likely scenario is that Dwight shot her with his clean arrows, in order to prevent Simon from attempting to take her out himself but try explaining that to Daryl who is convinced that Dwight had malicious intentions.

After some back and forth, Morgan and Rick bring up the rear and eventually drive the Saviors into retreating from battle.  Maggie and Rick race after them in futility, particularly since Rick informs Maggie that Negan wasn't even with this crew.  Maggie is beyond frustrated since we realize that she wants to be the one to take out Negan, at any cost.

Once the battle is complete, the tally is taken and everyone takes a moment to reflect on the losses and lick their wounds.  Maggie offers to Al (the sweet Savior who keeps trying to appeal to her better senses) an opportunity to bury his "people" but he makes it very clear that these are not his people.  The fact that Simon would turn his back on them, being the ultimate deciding factor.  In the aftermath of the battle, everyone comes to Maggie, praising her on her leadership but she is not so convinced she is such a great leader.  This is mostly because she knows she is putting people's lives on the line in order to avenge her dead husband, more than anything else.  

Nightfall comes and all those who are injured are being cared for, including Tobin.  Tobin, who suffered a midsection stab wound, is recovering by having a heart to heart with Carol, of all people.  Carol who left him in the middle of night with just a note left behind.  He tries to find out from her if it was all just an act and she is truthful with him about her confusion and how much she wanted it to be real, but in this world, that's a tall order.  Ultimately, her conversation with him gives him some gentle closure on their relationship.  How fortunate for his soul.

This is because we see the lapse of time and realize that Tobin passed away from his wound and is now a walker.  He goes on a tear (no pun intended) causing chaos within the house, along with several other Hilltop members that are now walkers as well.

Now, how NO ONE stirred when one of these walkers rolled down a flight of stairs into a group of sleeping Hilltop members is beyond me.  Maybe everyone is deaf from all the years of gunfire?  

In the meantime, young Henry who was supposed to be inside the house offering protection, instead manged to sneak out of the house and to the Savior prisoner pen, still looking to find out who killed his brother.  In youthful impulsion fashion, Henry proceeds to UNLOCK the pen to enter (yes, he's armed but all the more reason to shoot through the fence rather than ENTER the pen).  As the prisoners become aware of the mayhem at the house, Henry is quickly overwhelmed by Jarrid (the Savior who DID in fact kill his brother) and has his weapon stolen from him.  Jarrid and several Saviors run with him although it must be said that Al and several other Saviors opt to STAY and even defend the gates to keep more walkers from entering the Hilltop.  This is a point that Al makes very clear to Maggie.

In any case, eventually our heroes manage to restore order by putting down all the Hilltop members that had turned including of course Tobin.  Carol ends up being the one left with the task of putting him down and we can see that she has a moment of deep thought, as she tries pushing Tobin away.  She of course eventually goes through with it but if I'm to be totally honest, there was a moment where I was afraid we were going to get a version of Carol's demise in the comics (*SPOILER ALERT*).  Thankfully that did not happen.

Eventually Rick and team realize the Negan's weapons were in fact, contaminated and that is why so many of their people succumbed to their injuries.  The show tries to leave us to wonder if Tara is also infected (though again, not likely, particularly since she hasn't displayed any signs as of yet) and/or if RICK potentially could've been infected (there is reoccurring mention of an injury on his hand).

At the end of the episode we see that Maggie is at the grave site taking stock of how many more members of their side passed away.  As we see that the number has grown, we realize that Maggie is no longer sure if the cost outweighs the ultimate goal.

THE WALKING DEAD AIRS ON SUNDAYS AT 9:00 PM EST ON AMC.

[RECAP] Season 8, Episode 11 of The Walking Dead, "Dead or Alive Or"

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By Carolina Gallardo (@carolgallardo)

This week's episode of Walking Dead entitled "Dead or Alive or" we got a seemingly filler episode focusing on mostly Daryl and the now refugee Alexandrians and a Father Gabriel/Dr. Carson team now on the run.  At first glance, the episode appears to be a filler episode but there were plenty of Easter eggs that could potentially develop into something much larger.

In the case of the Alexandrians, our group is on their way to the Hilltop, the last remaining beacon of hope.  With Daryl is Tara, Dwight and Rosita and there is an uneasy alliance to eventually comes to a head.  Dwight has now completely turned his back on The Saviors and is fully supporting Rick's cause, however Tara is still incredibly mistrustful of Dwight and would like to see him eliminated immediately.  Daryl at least has enough sense to understand that Dwight is incredibly useful to their team but Tara cannot put aside her emotions to see this.  Which quite frankly is surprising and hypocritical considering that we MET Tara via her alliance to The Governor.  But I digress.

Eventually Dwight leads them to a swamp that if they can make their way through, they will be on track to get to the Hilltop as well as not be detected by Negan and his team, since the area was deemed "too dangerous". 

As Daryl and Rosita work toward executing all the swamp walkers (some with growing mushrooms...gross), Tara finally cannot hold herself back any longer and decides to take a shot at Dwight, forcing him to flee.  She chases and they find themselves hiding in a bush from a group of Saviors, patrolling the area for the Alexandrians.  Dwight eventually pops out and fools the Saviors as being just one of them and being wounded.  The group of Saviors is none the wiser and they all go off, Dwight having essentially saved their lives.  Daryl is livid with Tara that Dwight got away but Tara now realizes that Dwight can in fact be trusted. 

The group eventually arrives to the Hilltop with the news of what happened at Alexandria as well as Carl's death.  As viewers we do not exactly hear what is said, but we can read Daryl's lips and understand that he says the word "Carl".  We see Maggie and Enid eventually crumple to the ground, weeping at the news.

In another area, we see that Dr. Carson and Father Gabriel have escaped from the Sanctuary and are trying to figure out how to get to Rick and his group.  They are in a car but they are very much lost.  Eventually they stumble upon a random house that contains (3) very important elements that could potentially become factors in the future:

• Antibiotics that curb Father Gabriel's infection (A possible link to a potential cure?)
• A map to the Hilltop hidden in a piggy bank (Why the Hilltop?  And why would the map to the area be hidden?)
• A ham radio (***SPOILER ALERT***: For those that have read the comic, I'm sure that many viewers' eyes enlarged at the site and reference to that ham radio; $20 says that that ham radio is affiliated with the mysterious black helicopter; Just sayin')

Beyond these elements, we realize that sadly Father Gabriel's infection has done serious damage to his eye sight and he is slowly going blind.  This is a sad and horrifying premise for existence in this world: How can one survive this apocalyptic environment as a disabled person?

Finding all these elements however, further makes Father Gabriel feel that God has a purpose for them and that these are all signs that they are on the right track.  It's interesting to see the dynamic between this Man-of-Faith vs. Man-of-Science relationship.  At a certain point, after Father Gabriel finds the strength to be able to miraculously shoot off a walker from an already injured Dr. Carson, the good doctor starts to come around to this positive way of thinking...until they are ultimately recaptured by Saviors.  In a seemingly act of suicide-by-cop, Dr. Carson grabs a Savior's gun which gets him immediately shot and killed.  They drive off with Father Gabriel weeping throughout the car ride back to The Sanctuary.

Meanwhile back at the Sanctuary, Negan is putting the pressure on Eugene to get his Armory outpost up and running and making bullets to replenish their supply.  Eugene is not working fast enough and during a confrontation when Negan brings him a captured Gabriel as extra help, Eugene suggests using walker parts as weapons (throw the bodies over the wall to the Alexandrians to slow them down).  Hearing this and seeing Father Gabriel's state gets Negan's brain immediately working and we can tell he's come up with an idea.  They are to coat all of their weapons in walker blood so that just a cut or scrape or touch with an infected weapon will be enough to do just that: Infect the enemy and turn them into weapons themselves.  He gathers all his men together and informs them that they will be utilizing the might of the walker illness to their advantage.

Post-Apocalyptic Bio-warfare if you will.

With all all of our heroes now gathered at the Hilltop, expect next week's episode to be action packed with many of our main characters on center stage.

THE WALKING DEAD AIRS SUNDAYS, AT 9PM EST ON AMC.

[RECAP] Season 10, Episode 4 of The Walking Dead, "Silence the Whisperers"

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In this latest episode of The Walking Dead, “Silence the Whisperers”, we get a glimpse of the dynamic at the Hilltop (I’ve been wondering who’s running the ship over there). But more importantly, we get to see how Alpha’s reign of terror over our heroes is causing turmoil from within the community, that could potentially threaten the very fabric of stability they have worked so hard to create.

We start seeing this right away, in the sense that there appears to be a small contingency of highwaymen and teenagers that have it out for Lydia. Every time she’s in their presence, they’re quick to poke fun at her mom, Alpha, as a sort of masked Boogie Man and point out that she’s essentially the “red headed stepchild” if you will. The adopted child that is reminded of this fact at every turn and how her very presence is a nuisance to them all. Lydia tries to keep a brave front, but it inevitably gets to her and, upon Negan’s advice to not allow these folks to get a rise out of her and let them see her upset (good advice by the way), she pulls a bit of a showy move in the dining hall (dissecting a squirrel and then making a hush sign with her fingers) to essentially freak out these guys.

It works but Daryl insists that this was probably not the best idea (good point). You have to feel for Daryl who has basically been tasked with being the “second in command” in Michonne’s absence while she tends to the Hilltop’s need and helps walk King Ezekiel off a literal ledge (more on that later).

The situation with Lydia quickly escalates when one night she is assaulted by this gang of three (two teenagers and one highway-woman), in a particularly disturbing scene. I’m not sure if there was any intention to harken to this part of the comic, but in the comic version of the story, Lydia is the unfortunate victim of what appears to be a Whisperer culture of systemic rape and in this moment during this assault, I actually worried that the show would potentially “go there” with this scene. Particularly since this assault was meant to humiliate and degrade Lydia, to the point that she would run off and leave...or face essentially being beaten to death. Luckily the show doesn’t go that route and before she is killed, she is actually SAVED by NEGAN, of all people. Negan’s MO has always been that violence against women and children is DEPLORABLE and OFF LIMITS and this moment is no exception, considering he considers Lydia a “kid” and obviously a young girl. He pulls off the highway woman who was the ringleader of this assault off Lydia and flings her against a wall...killing her in the process (wow, that was quite a strong throw, right?).

It’s at this point that the townspeople gather to see what all the commotion is about and see a beaten up Lydia, a dead highway woman (who deserved it, mind you) and a Negan standing in the mix of everything. This of course leads to everyone wanting Negan’s head on a silver platter (no pun intended) but the council is torn on whether to deem him GUILTY and sentence him to DEATH or deem him INNOCENT and spare his life. Really? The man saved Judith and dog in a snowstorm, saved Aaron’s life and now defended Lydia from murder and possible rape and you all are still torn on what to do with him? #JusticeforNegan. In any case, the townspeople want blood though and Daryl knows this (who also advocates in Negan’s defense, particularly since he knows this group was tormenting Lydia. How times have changed...).

SO. Does this mean that it was Daryl who set Negan free? Because before the council can make a final decision, Father Gabriel discovers that Negan is no longer in the cell and is GONE.

So who let him out? The most likely culprits would be Daryl or Carol, both of who are aware that Negan is NOT the threat that everyone should be worried about but my guess is that more will be revealed in episode 5 and HOW exactly he was able to escape. We are also quickly progressing toward a highly anticipated collision course between Negan and The Whisperers, as per the comics. Check out ComicBook.com in case you want to get an idea of who might've been involved in Negan's release and what his focus will be now that he's a free man.

And on side note: How funny is that Carol is still bitter than Daryl didn’t take her up on leaving it all and heading to New Mexico? Daryl chose COMMUNITY instead. DARYL. Think about that for a second. Again, how times have changed...

Meanwhile, Michonne has her hands full trying to keep the Hilltop alive. The community has been under siege of an onslaught of walkers brought on by a humongous fallen tree, which has created an opening in their security wall. What caused the tree to fall? Was it an “accident”? Or was this tree provoked to fall by some Whisperer help? That still remains to be seen.

In any case, the group at the Hilltop needs to simultaneously pull out any community members stuck under the collapsed tree and at the same time keep the walkers from infiltrating and wreaking havoc. Some of our more martial members (Yumiko, Magna, Luke, Connie and crew) volunteer themselves to handle the walkers while Jerry and some other community members work on getting those that are stuck out. The threat starts to become overwhelming...that is until the Calvary shows up in the form of Eugene, Michonne, King Ezekiel and Judith. We also get some really BAD ASS scenes showing Michonne and “daughter” Judith fighting with their respective swords, side by side, which harkens back to scenes with Rick and Carl shooting together (*tear*). Eventually the threat is quelled and Eugene decides to stick around at the Hilltop to help fix their damaged protective barrier (and also to avoid Rosita, but whatever). Luke, on the other hand, volunteers to join Michonne and Judith, since they are on their way to Oceanside.

And Magna and Yumiko are left arguing about Yumiko’s apparent leadership at the Hilltop, since Magna informs her that she is “no longer her lawyer” and apparently doesn’t have any control over her actions anymore.

Wow. We know Magna was a criminal so was Yumiko her defense attorney? And between Michonne and Yumiko then apparently we have two lawyers heading communities in the apocalypse? I suppose that makes sense since they understand more about rules and regulations than most but yeah, interesting right?

Finally, we need to discuss Ezekiel’s mental breakdown and near suicide attempt that was prevented when Michonne LITERALLY, as I already mentioned, talked him off a ledge. His mindset is understandable in the sense that he has lost his home (the Kingdom), his wife (Carol), his “children” (Benjamin and Henry) and his pet (Shiva). That is a TREMENDOUS amount of loss for anyone to endure and at some point this will of course, take its toll. Michonne successfully convinces him to reconsider (again, it’s that being a lawyer and having a way with words and logic) and he is grateful...and shows that appreciation with a kiss.

Now, is there anything to this moment? In my opinion, NO. It was purely a moment to essentially give a “wink” to the comics, since in the TWD comics Michonne and Ezekiel are the ones in a relationship (Carol dies very early on in the comics). They even joke around that they would never work out in the long term and the moment passes very quickly. Ezekiel vents his pent up sadness over his losses to Michonne and it is cathartic for him, but it allows him to refocus and return to the Hilltop to stop the walker threat.

Something to consider is that Ezekiel’s suicidal mindset might NOT be a passing moment and may rear its ugly head again. In that sense, the show may be setting up Ezekiel to have a significant comic book death, remixing the original story as the show often likes to do. But we will have to see how the show progresses to see if that theory has any legs so to speak.

My real excitement however comes from wanting to see Negan in the wild next week, on a very probable collision course with Alpha and Beta, straight from the comics. I honestly cannot wait for that moment.

The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights at 9:00pm EST, on AMC.

[RECAP] Season 9, Episode 1 of The Walking Dead, "A New Beginning" - SEASON PREMIERE

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By Carolina Gallardo (@carolgallardo)

By the end of the season nine premiere of The Walking Dead, Maggie Greene made a statement to the people of Hilltop and Alexandria and, in turn, new showrunner Angela Kang made her own definitive statement to the audience at large: This was going to be a very different kind of Walking Dead and it's never felt more exciting and reinvigorated.  Not only was this a fun episode to watch that called back to the good old days of the show, but it was also an episode with very little filler and a lot of substance, something we've been sourly needing for some time.

The very beginning of the episode gives us a brief synopsis of the conflict and eventual war with The Saviors, in the form of Rick recounting what occurred, almost as if he's explaining to a newcomer what happened.  We then join Alexandria, sometime in the near future (based on Maggie's baby and Judith, one can infer that perhaps 1.5 to 2 years has passed).  We see that society, more specifically Alexandria, has been rebuilt, it has been rebuilt with the resources now available, as well as with the guidance of Georgie's "Key to the Future" manuscript (remember that?).  We see that the wooden gates of Alexandria are made of spiked logs, there are solar panels being employed and there's of course, the infamous windmill.  And older Rick, Michonne and Judith seem to be living comfortably as they take in their new society with a relaxed happiness that hasn't been seen in some time.

At the same time, back at The Sanctuary, they do not seem to be fairing as well as at Alexandria.  We see that Eugene seems to have set up his post here, along with Daryl as they work to create fuel from the corn crops in the fields.  This is all in anticipation of a supply run in Washington DC proper that allows us to see various members of the different communities united at one time in order to pull off this ambitious feat.

Something to note in this episode that was a welcome change from previous seasons was that rather than segmenting story lines into episodes about SPECIFIC characters (otherwise known as "bottle" episodes), we get to see almost ALL our main characters in this ONE episode.  Obviously on a show where the cast has become much larger than the original group, this is not always simple to do, but the manner in which it was done in this episode was effective and effortless (at least in how it came off to the viewer).

In any case, we finally get to see our crew leave Alexandria and finally tackle a decaying Washington DC proper, with a decomposing Capitol Building and Washington Monument in the backdrop.  Our crew's goal is to pull some much needed supplies and tools from the Museum of Natural History in order to "Learn from the past to inform our present", a reoccurring theme in this episode.  Before entering the museum, however, we get to live vicariously through Rick and Michonne as they take out some Walker Senators, one still in suit and tie.

Not to get too political or anything, but in today's current political climate, that scene was downright therapeutic.  Am I right?

Eventually, Rick and team enter the building, separating into smaller groups, each group with its marching orders on what to find in the museum.  The main items on their list seem to be seeds, canoes, wagon and a plow.  During their exploration, we find out some curious little tidbits of information such as that Anne/Jadis (now going by Anne) was a teacher before the apocalypse; We hear Daryl have an actual conversation!  I, for one, almost forgot what his voice sounded like!  And finally, we learn that a formal election was held at The Hilltop and Maggie was officially voted as the leader, over Gregory.  It's during this time that we see Michonne gaze at a museum display related to the Civil War labeled, "A More Perfect Union".  Fitting, no? 

There's also a fun scene where Father Gabriel kills a walker by a wall mural that's supposed show the evolution of man.  Anne/Jadis jokingly comments how this is now an art exhibit for the De-Evolution of Man.  Ha.

The tension starts up when our team all work together to try and get all of the items on their list down the stone steps and over a glass trellis floor leading to the exit out of the museum.  If that weren't bad enough, the area underneath the glass floor is full of walkers in an area of the museum fittingly entitled "Manifest Destiny".  Most of these items are clearly incredibly heavy and our team has wrapped rope around each person's waist to keep them connected and to provide some additional girth and strength in pulling each piece across the floor.  As they go back and forth over the floor, we start to see cracks developing on the glass, adding to the tension of the scene.  Just when we think our crew was able to just make it, the floor shatters and King Ezekiel throws up the canoe and falls into the lower area, hanging over the horde of hungry walkers below.  Luckily, the rope pulley system is able to pull him up, over and back into safety...and into an embrace from Carol.  Well, that's one romantic relationship confirmed.

Our crew then heads out and back to Alexandria, with their new tools and supplies in tow, with Daryl paving the way and taking out any walkers that cross their path.  During this trip back, we meet some newcomers to our group (most notably the blacksmith's son, Ken) and even witness a proposal from Ezekiel to Carol (which Carol turns down, in typical Carol fashion).  Eventually, they come across Rosita who informs them that the bridge is completely out and they will need to find an alternative route of getting back.  At this point in time, it appears that they have developed a sort of system of passageways that they have labeled Route A, B, C, D, etc.  Regardless, Rick, as per usual, dictates the best course of action, something that Maggie seems to not entirely agree with but goes along with, as per usual.

In the course of this new direction, the group encounters a deep area of mud that causes the wagon to get stuck, to a point that the horses struggle to be able to pull the wagon.  Rick and crew all get out and start to work to push it over and through the mud, not realizing that a horde of walkers have started to meander toward them.  They get the wagon out of the mud just in time, however now they need to fight off the walkers that have descended upon them.  Michonne and Daryl get to work to start taking them down (Daryl now with not only a cross bow but some fun, fancy knife work as well).  Unfortunately, in the midst of all the chaos, the plow falls and breaks and young Ken is bitten by a walker and we are given the impression that his infected arm was cut off, in an attempt to save him.  Alas, it is to no avail, and he passes away, as Maggie tearfully kneels in front of him and finally stabs him in the head.

We see then that a part of group, specifically Rick, Daryl, Carol & Ezekiel enter The Sanctuary to meet with the now subjugated Saviors.  The relationship between Rick and The Saviors is still a very delicate one, as evidenced by those that are vocally appreciative of Rick's willingness to help them with food and supplies...but also by graffiti on the wall stating "Saviors Save Us; We are Still Negan".  At the sight of these words, Daryl immediately orders that the words are painted over and stares disapprovingly as Rick essentially makes nice with The Saviors.  The two longtime friends then have a private moment where Daryl confidentially tells Rick that he is not comfortable being at The Sanctuary at all and feels that he is more useful outside in the woods (Ah Daryl, ever the feral cat).  As much as Rick has high hopes that they can forge "a more perfect union" with The Saviors, Daryl has his doubts, pointing out that this location is a factory and nothing HAS been able to grow there, which is why Negan had people GIVE him things.  After some talking (if you can imagine, Daryl actually having a conversation!), Daryl states that he'll be joining Maggie and the baby at The Hilltop instead (a bit of a slap in the face to Rick).  Afterward, we see that Carol overhead this conversation and she will end up taking up Daryl's post at The Sanctuary, giving her some space from Ezekiel.

Later we learn that Ken was a member of Hilltop, shedding light on why Maggie specifically took his death so much to heart.  As elected leader, this young life was lost on her watch and she takes it upon herself to sit with Ken's parents and explain to them what exactly happened.  As any parents would react after losing their child, they are angry and heartbroken at what they see as the fruitless death of their young son.  A remorseful Maggie offers to hold a funeral service for their son which they tearfully accept, but not without the bitter resentment of what has befallen them.  In a statement that likely speaks for many at The Hilltop, Ken's mother Tammy states "My son is dead, your son has no father and the Saviors eat our food".  Yikes.

A funeral is eventually held in honor of Ken, with Gregory giving what appears to be heartfelt eulogy.  Jesus himself even comments on what he feels is his authenticity.  We end up seeing that it was all a farce and that Gregory was just positioning himself in a sympathetic position to appeal to Ken's parents.  He then proceeds to liquor up his parents and convince specifically Ken's father that his son's death was all the fault of Maggie and that if he was still in control, this all could have potentially been avoided...but there is still a way out of all this.

In what is arguably the most climatic part of the episode, we see Maggie, still heavily burdened with the death of Ken, taking baby Hershel for an evening walk in his stroller.  Gregory runs into her and comments to her that while burying Ken, they noticed that perhaps accidentally, Glenn's grave was defaced.  This of course strikes a chord with Maggie, who proceeds to walk to the grave, stroller in hand.  It's at this point that we see a dark cloaked figure come out of the darkness and tip over the stroller, sending a screaming, wailing baby to the floor, and begin to viciously attack Maggie.  The combination of the baby helpless on the floor screaming and the fighting between Maggie and this assailant raises the level of horror, fear and tension to another level (maybe because I'm a mom?).  Maggie fights back with every inch of her life and at the sound of all the ruckus, Enid comes running only to be thrown to the side and to the floor.  Finally Jesus arrives with Alden in tow and they are able to hold down the figure who is revealed to be Ken's father.

After tending to Hershel, Maggie immediately goes to Gregory's quarters, fully aware that he was the one that orchestrated this assault.  At first he tries to discount her words because of her obvious head injury but as she angrily presses on, he ends up admitting to what he did and what's more, attempts to stab her himself, only to be overpowered by her and having the knife now turned on him.

In the cold light of day, Rick, Michonne and Daryl visit The Hilltop, primarily for Rick to discuss with Maggie the idea of using resources to rebuild the bridge and also borrowing food and supplies to tide over the Saviors for the time being until they can grow viable crops.  They are shocked to see Maggie's black and blue face, but her recent assault seems to be the last thing she wants to discuss.  With that in mind, Rick begins to discuss with her his plans and the things that he needs from her but Maggie has very clear terms: Labor is fine, Food is fine...but supplies will only be granted if the Saviors give up all their fuel and provide most of the labor needed for the bridge.  Rick implores Maggie to be more generous with them but she is firm in her stance that they lost the war and these are the repercussions.  Damn.  She also makes a point that she cannot solve their problems when she has her own problems here that she needs to figure out.  No handouts here from Maggie Rhee, clearly.

She then states what we have been seeing repeatedly in the trailer which is that Rick chose not to listen to her back when they defeated the Saviors but that all changes now.  Maggie then states that it's getting dark and it's time to put the kids to bed.  And we end up seeing for good reason.

It is now nightfall, and we see there is a large ominous gathering outside at the Hilltop (with Rick, Michonne and Daryl present), all with sullen faces and torches.  Maggie makes it clear that she doesn't want to have to do this but at the Hilltop "the punishment fits the crime".  She then turns and asks someone if they have any last words.  We then see that she is referring to Gregory, who has been positioned on a horse, with a noose around his neck, ready to be executed.  Gregory screams that they shouldn't do this and that she's only doing this at night because she's ashamed.  Maggie, unflinchingly, denies being scared and orders Daryl to proceed in pushing the horse, which he does to Michonne's horror because two children happened to run out just at this moment.  But it is far too late.  Gregory is promptly hung, as Maggie states for this to be a lesson to all and orders him to be cut down.  Damn Maggie.

Overall, this episode largely focused on what happens AFTER a war: How do we GOVERN?  How do we UNITE once divided factions into a contributing, functional society?  We have someone like Rick that takes on a benevolent, almost Socialist approach, ensuring that everyone's needs are met.  Then we have someone like Maggie who has a far more Authoritarian approach and believes that she needs to look out for the needs of her people FIRST, before she can solve the problems of others (particularly others that were once the oppressors).  Nowhere is their diverging styles more apparent then in their approach to Crime & Punishment: Negan murdered Glenn, Abraham and various others and was essentially granted life in prison; Gregory attempted first degree murder on Maggie and was immediately publicly executed as an example to all.

This new way of thinking about recreating a governing society in the backdrop of a wasteland is a captivating one, particularly when bearing in mind the natural human conflicts that occur when trying to form a "more perfect union".  The Walking Dead is heading into some uncharted territory for the first time in a long time and it is fascinating and exciting to watch again.  Maggie Rhee and Angela Kang have certainly made their point loud and clear to all.   

THE WALKING DEAD AIRS SUNDAYS AT 9:00PM EST ON AMC